Belize’s most southern district, Toledo, is sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten District.” The least populated and least developed district, it is often overlooked by politicians and tourists alike but if you’re a nature nut, it should definitely be on your radar. Belize, as a whole, is a destination for travelers rather than tourists, for adventurers rather than vacationers. It’s not your easy-like-Sunday-morning, well-trodden and polished pre-packaged holiday sort of place. It is for off-the-beaten-path seekers and curious explorers in general, but Toledo specifically, is a hidden gem within The Jewel. An expedition to the insanely beautiful Blue Creek Cave should be on your bucket list. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to check this one off mine because it was incredible.
My friend Khristy, a member of my good-time-gals-gang in New Jersey, came for a visit with her new beau and we had adventures- of course! We went to Excalibur Adventure Park for the Via Ferrata (click here for past post on rock climbing and suspension bridges over the jungle) and had a Caye Day at Moho, but the coolest and craziest activity we enjoyed together was trekking into the stunning Blue Creek Cave.
When Khristy and Doug told me they were coming to Belize I was like, “Bet!” They’re always down to party and up for an adventure and all around just looking for a good time so I knew… anything goes! This was the perfect excuse to plan a new-to-me outing and Blue Creek came to mind. I’d only ever been to the mouth of the cave a few years ago on a mothers and sons trip to Toledo (here’s that post) and I’ve always wanted to go back because it is just so strikingly gorgeous. Like look at this water! Ethereal.
Akeem from Cultural Experiences Belize (my go-to guy for island hopping and an all around awesome dude) set things up for us with his buddy down south. We met up with Juan Ical at his daughter-n-law’s restaurant, Yona’s Mayan Grill, and geared up with helmets, headlights, and life jackets. You take an easy, 20-minute walk through the woods to the mouth of the cave before the real adventure begins. You jump into that cool, clear water and swim/ scramble/ haul yourself deeper and deeper into the darkness. I had no clue how extensive this cave is but Juan told us that you can forge your way through it for basically 3 days and come out the other side somewhere behind Santa Cruz. Whaaat?!?
We went only as far as this underground waterfall but that was a plenty. I know lots of people harbor some anxiety over cave tours but this is rather do-able for most people. Phil is prone to claustrophobia and he had no troubles with Blue Creek. You should be fairly steady on your feet and comfortable in water because it obviously involves picking your way over wet rocks and paddling across deeper sections but you’re wearing a life jacket the entire time.
After the cave we went back to Yona’s for lunch and a quick in-house cacao demonstration. We had to be quick because we had the long drive back to Placencia; its about 2 1/2 hours drive each way. This was a fantastic excursion and well worth the time to reach. Go where few have gone before and explore the natural beauty of Blue Creek in Toledo District.
*Fun Fact: Juan Ical is the guy we contracted to build the 3 new little palapas on the Point Beach. Small world, tiny country!
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